Mountain peak Ekkertinden in Norway is often called Sunndal’s version of Preikestolen (Pulpit rock at Lysefjorden) but minus large masses of tourists. It is still relatively popular trail and for good reason. The dizzying deep drop from the cliff offer spectacular views on surrounding valleys and mountains. It is possible to hike it up by two different routes, which are also possible to combine to create a loop. However one route is significantly easier than the other.
GETTING THERE
Oslo – 435km (5h 40min)
Bergen – 545km (8h 40min)
Trondheim – 155km (2h 15min)
By car: Park at Vollan, small parking around Vollavegen 160. This is paid parking lot 50 NOK cash or Vipps. Alternatively you can start in Gjora where are various free parking options, but the trail is significantly harder.
By public transport: The easiest bus stop is at Gjora, the trail starts there, however this is the for the harder route. If you want easier route through Vollasetra, then you can walk 2km from Gjora or stop at bus stop “Krokbygda” and than walk 1,7km. Detailed planning HERE
Camper/ Van overnight stay: I have stayed at campsite at Gjora camping. 280 NOK with electricity, 230 NOK without, showers are 15 NOK without time limit. ASCI or CKE do not apply. Nice spacious fully equipped kitchen is available. Very nice campsite, recommended. It is 1km easy walk to the Gjora trail head or 3km to the Volan trail head. More info HERE
TRAIL NAVIGATION
You could navigate Ekkertinden trail without additional navigation, but I recommend to have gspx or other type of navigation, especially if taking the route from Gjora. There is a map at the parking lot in Vollan and petrol station at Gjora. The route is additionally marked by red T or red dots on various landmarks. There are 3 possible options to hike up to Ekkertinden:
Option A
Start from Volan, over Vollasetra to Ekkertinden, same way back. This is the easiest and most popular route. Navigation is mostly easy, there is split in a route after the hut, but the routes connect again. Some confusion might occur at the top due multiple trails.
Option B
Start from Gjora, over Gjorashaugen to Ekkertinden, same way back. This is the hardest route. Navigation is easy to Gjorashaugen, then it might be slightly confusing as there are several route splits, most of them connecting again, with one exception.
Option C
Start from Gjora, over Gjorashaugen to Ekkertinden, continue down to Vollasetra to Volan and either stop there (in case of group and carpooling) or continue to Gjora. Or same loop in opposite direction, although I do not recommend. Navigation is mostly easy with exception Gjorashaugen- Ekkertinden.
My personal suggestion is to do option C in direction Gjora-Ekkertinden-Volan as this route offers you the best views on the surrounding areas since the views are not shared. While longer and challenging route, it is the best for seeing various fauna and flora.
TRAIL DETAILS
GJORA TO GJORASHAUGEN
Start from the petrol station or bus stop, about 0,5km through woods along route 70 before the steep climb start. Climb very steep dirt path through thick forrest and with no views. It is not technical trail, only steep. Once you pass the forrest, the incline will become easier, the trees will be very different and in between them you might start seeing some nice views. As you continue, you will get really nice views on the cliffs ahead. The trail is mostly easy, up until Gjorashaugen. The Gjorashaugen is not marked in any way, there is some hut and clearly stopping place.
GJORASHAUGEN TO EKKERTINDEN
From here there you will see several smaller side trails. Continue on the trail going straight ahead from the direction you came from. At first enjoy relatively easy trail with couple of steep and more technical bits. These will become more frequent and as you near the cliff, you will get closer to the slopes and cliffs. This part might be unnerving for people with fear of heights. It is not bad, but you do need to be careful with foot placement. Pay attention at the very last uphill, because the trail start to have many splits and there is no signs or markings. You might need navigation for this part. Once you reach the cliffside, keep safe distance from the edge, as the rocks might become loose or you might loose your balance. Keep in mind there is large drop from the cliffs. If you have vertigo or fear of heights, there are paths available further away from the cliffside and you still get some of the nice views. Otherwise enjoy the views before either heading back the same way or continuing to Volan.
EKKERTINDEN TO VOLLASETRA
Locating the trail from Ekkertinden to Volan might be bit of challenge as there is no sign. However once you locate it, the navigation is very straight forward. You will pass by small mountain on your right and nice valley will open on your left. Here you might spot some animals grazing, I even seen reindeer when I was there. It is easy terrain, rocky dirt path at pleasant decline. The views are really nice. At some point there will be a split you can take either path, the intended trail is the one to your right. The descent to the hut might be steep in some parts. You will pass a hut where you can re-supply on water or take a break before the big descent.
VOLLASETRA TO VOLAN
Vollasetra is at elevation of 750m and you will need to descent from here back to about 200m. The descent is on single trail which is on easy terrain which is zig zag at comfortable incline. There are no side trail, so also navigation is easy. This is also reason why the trail is more popular than the one from Gjora. The forrest is mostly birch tree, not much of that thick forrest you see at Gjora. Similarly, once you enter the forrest area, you will not have any view on the surrounding area. You will end up right by the parking lot.
VOLAN TO GJORA
If you need to continue on foot to Gjora, continue to your right on small road for about 1,5km until it connects with road 70. Do not walk on the road 70, which does not really have shoulder or pedistration path. Find very small trail on the right side, if you look carefully, you can see it and you can continue safely for almost another 1km in the woods or next to woods all the way back to Gjora.
GENERAL
I would not recommend doing this hike after rain, especially the trail from Gjora as it would be very dangerous. Depending on the age and fitness, it could be done with children, especially the trail from Volan. Hiking poles might be useful on some of the steeper parts.
Tree coverage: Portion of the hike is under tree, so provides shade on sunny days. Sunprotection and sunscreen is recommended for the open areas.
Geocaching: There are no geocaches and Adventure labs.
Dogs: If your dog is used to walk such distance and elevation. Dogs must be leashed. Be aware of free grazing sheep or other animals in the valley around Vollasetra.
Shoes recommendation: Trail runners or other shoes with good profile
FACILITIES
There are no facilities along the trail or from Volan
Public restroom: Gjora
Restaurants: Gjora
Shops: Gjora
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
I completed this hike August 2024 on Friday. It was sunny at first, around 11 degrees, later the clouds rolled in and it was extremely windy, cold and cloudy at the summit, so I didn’t stay very long. There were some people on the trail from Volan. I have not met or seen anyone on the trail from Gjora. Expect the Volan trail to be more busy.
Pro tip: Start early to assure parking spot at Volan trail head on weekend as the parking lot is very limited.
